Things people dont talk about....

Why is it that people tend to not talk about deep matters. It is almost as if we have a book of 'appropriate' answers and comments we are allowed to say to one another.

Why is it when we have a bad day or when we are hurting or struggling we stay silent. Sometimes we need to talk about it. Not only to 'get it out' or to get through it, but to allow others to see the power and strength of the Lord. He allows us to experience these struggles not because we are strong or we can 'handle' it....but because He is strong. Because it is His strength He is glorified.

I am guilty as charged on this matter. Just look at my blog.....photos and daily events. Hmmm, how does this document my 'pilgrimage to motherhood'?

Maybe I am saying that I will post more about the reality of what I am thinking about or doing for the day....even if it does not involve a cute picture of our little three year old....even if it means something that I need help with....even if it means something I am struggling with. Yes, some days it will still just be a picture and a cute story.

Three - Clappy Shoe Style

"Clappy shoe, huh?" Yeah, my thoughts exactly when I heard the words resounding out of my little two year old princess mouth. "You want a clappy shoe birthday? A clappy shoe cake?" A princess cake or a ballerina cake or an elephant....anything would be easier.

Does anyone know what a clappy shoe is?

This is a clappy shoe.

So, how in the world do I make a clappy shoe cake? Hmmm, Let's just say the first one flopped with a capital F-. So bad that it looked like a Herman Muenster shoe. I would not let anyone take photos of it. It was a mix of cake and rice crispy treats.

The second one worked out better....not quite what I wanted, but better than the first.

(Though I cannot figure out how to turn this photo...you get the idea)

No huge birthday celebration this year though. We thought we would either be in transit or back on the other side of the globe by now so it was just one side of the family, on a weeknight, for grilling out and cake. We celebrated at my grandfather's house with my mom's side of the family. I think I like the decorations better than the cake ....

Clappy shoe chandelier and name place cards....

(With a cute almost 3 year old as a decoration too:) )

We all (the females) wore Clappy shoes too:)

Actually, I believe Annaka was the only one who wore her Clappy Shoes the whole time. The rest of us just put them on for the picture.

Proof.....even after opening presents, putting on dress up clothes and headband, the clappy shoes are still on.

I love that Annaka is just as into the card as she is the present. She 'reads' every card, keeps it and 'reads' them again over and over and over again. This one had Minnie Mouse ears in it.

She put the ears on while opening gifts.

Until she opened this dress up outfit. The headband won and the ears were brought home later. (Note the princess plate/utensils/cups)

I am thinking now about what to 'suggest' for next years theme. I am going to find the easiest cake to make and begin putting in a good word for that theme in ummm, October? That way next June will be a breeze.